ABSTRACT
The Q-switched lasers which was introduced under the concept of selective photothermolysis. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, which targets dark pigments in a longer wave length (1064 nm) that has less absorption by melanin, can effectively treat deep tattoos with less pigmentary alterations. We report our experience over the past 3 years in treating 565 patients with tattoos and cutaneous pigmented lesions using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Patients were exposed with a pulse duration of 10 ns and fluences of 6, 7 J/cm2(1064 nm) or 12, 14 J/cm2(532 nm), in exposure spots of 2 mm or 3 mm, at intervals of 4 weeks. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was effective in removing deep pigmented lesion with 1064 nm, and colored inks with 532 nm. Seventy-three percent of amateur black pigmented lesion were > 75% clear after four to ten treatment. Ninty-eight percent of professional black pigmented lesion were > 75% clear after two on eyebrow, six to eight on extremity and trunk. No significant side effects, including pigmentary changes or scarring, were noted.